Build Your Be-Okay Bag: A Solarpunk Bug Out Bag Checklist
What if your family had to leave home quickly due to a hurricane, flood, fire, or major blackout?
It’s not a fun thought—but it’s a real one. And in a solarpunk world where we prepare not out of fear but out of love and foresight, having a plan isn’t paranoia—it’s wisdom.
That’s where a bug out bag comes in.
Roots & Resilience: Backyard Survival 101 An afternoon of hands-on learning w/ the kids and Dr. Ancilleno Davis (Science and Perspective) —setting up tents, starting fires, and building skills that matter.
What Is a Bug Out Bag?
A bug out bag (BOB) is a pre-packed emergency kit that holds everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours if you need to evacuate your home. Traditionally used by survivalists and preppers, it’s filled with food, water, first aid, tools, and other essentials.
In a solarpunk context, we reclaim and reframe this idea:
You’re not preparing to run from the end of the world—you’re packing to stay grounded in uncertain times.
We like to call it a “Be-Okay Bag”—a kit that helps you and your family stay safe, self-sufficient, and connected if things don’t go as planned.
It’s not about panic. It’s about peace of mind.
What Makes a Bug Out Bag "Solarpunk"?
In solarpunk circles, we build our kits with more than survival in mind—we think about sustainability, community, and long-term resilience. A solarpunk bug out bag:
Uses reusable, low-waste tools over disposables
Includes solar or manual-powered gear
Is built for adaptation, not escape
Emphasizes connection over isolation
Encourages creative reuse and mutual aid
What to Pack in Your Solarpunk Bug Out Bag (Be-Okay Bag)
Here’s a practical and adaptable packing list for your home, family, or neighborhood hub.
Tailor the items based on your climate, family size, and any specific needs (kids, elders, pets, etc.).
⚡ Power + Light
When the grid goes down, sunlight steps in. A solar-powered flashlight or lantern is an absolute essential, paired with either a hand-crank or solar-powered emergency radio—ideally one that picks up NOAA weather alerts. A portable solar charger can keep small electronics like phones or rechargeable headlamps powered on the go. Don’t forget to pack a few rechargeable batteries and, if possible, a compact solar charger specifically for them.
Midland - WR120B - NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio
Solar-powered flashlight or lantern
Hand-crank or solar emergency radio (NOAA weather band preferred)
Portable solar charger (for small devices like phones or rechargeable headlamps)
Rechargeable batteries (plus a compact solar charger if possible)
💧 Water
Access to clean water is non-negotiable. Tuck in a couple of collapsible bottles or durable stainless steel ones that won't leach chemicals over time. A good filtration system, like a Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw, will serve you far better than single-use bottles. For added assurance, include a few eco-friendly purification tablets or drops. They take up almost no space but can make a huge difference in a pinch.
Water filter system (like Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw)
Eco-friendly purification tablets or drops
🍲 Food
Aim for a 72-hour stash of nourishing, plant-based, shelf-stable snacks. Think dried fruit, trail mix, granola bars—anything that fuels without fuss. A compact stove (propane or alcohol-based) offers a way to warm meals, and a reusable bowl, cup, and utensils help reduce waste. A mini local foraging guide or an edible plant ID card could be a game-changer if you're outdoors longer than expected.
Odoland 6pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit
3-day supply of shelf-stable, plant-based snacks (dried fruits, trail mix, granola bars)
Compact stove (propane or alcohol-based)
Reusable utensils, bowl, and cup
Mini local foraging guide or edible plant ID card
🧰 Tools + Survival Gear
A sturdy multi-tool or a compact, eco-conscious knife will serve you in countless ways, from preparing food to fixing gear. Paracord and duct tape are classic survival MVPs—lightweight, affordable, and endlessly useful. For fire-starting, opt for a solar fire starter or waterproof matches. Shelter is another must: whether it’s a recycled-material tarp, a lightweight tent, or a bivvy bag, having a dry, protected place to rest is key. Pack a sleeping bag or thermal blanket too—look for sustainable or recycled fill options. And for documenting, journaling, or communicating, a simple notepad and pencil go a long way.
Multi-tool or compact eco-conscious knife
Paracord and duct tape (endlessly useful)
Solar fire starter or waterproof matches
Tarp, tent, or bivvy shelter (choose recycled or lightweight options)
Sleeping bag or thermal blanket (choose sustainable/recycled fill if possible)
Notepad + pencil for notes, journaling, or communication
🩹 Health + Hygiene
Your first aid kit should cover the basics—bandages, antiseptics—but you can also enhance it with natural remedies like arnica gel or tea tree oil. Hygiene doesn’t have to be disposable. Choose a small bar of plant-based soap, a bamboo toothbrush, and toothpaste tablets instead of paste in a plastic tube. Menstruating folks will benefit from reusable cloth pads or a menstrual cup, and a few face masks plus a natural hand sanitizer can offer peace of mind. Make sure to include any essential prescription meds in clearly labeled containers.
First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, plus natural additions like arnica or tea tree oil)
Plant-based soap + bamboo toothbrush + solid toothpaste tabs
Reusable cloth pads or menstrual cup
Face masks and natural hand sanitizer
Any essential prescription meds in labeled containers
📚 Connection + Comfort
In high-stress situations, a little comfort can go a long way. A printed emergency contact sheet and local maps or shelter directions offer clarity even when cell service disappears. For emotional wellness, add a small zine, a kids’ book, or a familiar item to calm little ones. An envelope of heirloom seeds may not serve an immediate survival purpose—but symbolically, it plants the promise of rebirth and resilience.
Printed emergency contact sheet
Local maps + printed directions to nearby shelters or safe zones
Small zine, kids’ book, or comfort item for mental wellness
Envelope of heirloom seeds (symbol of rebirth, and hope)
👣 Clothing + Weather Protection
Pack one full change of weather-appropriate clothes that can layer well. A light poncho or sun hat helps with rain or heat, and sturdy shoes or sandals are vital for walking long distances. You’ll also appreciate a lightweight foam mat or roll-up blanket—whether you’re sitting on damp ground or catching some rest under the stars.
One set of weather-appropriate clothes
Light rain poncho or sun hat
Sturdy shoes or sandals
Eco foam mat or roll-up blanket for sleeping
Make It a Family or Community Project
All hands got invloved and got dirty! 2021
Building your Be-Okay Bag doesn’t have to be a solo prepper mission. Invite others in:
Create family packing checklists with your kids
Host a resilience kit-building potluck with neighbors
Rotate food, water, and battery items every 6 months
Keep a printout of this list in your bag and share it with friends
Why Preparedness is Solarpunk
Packing a bug out bag is not about expecting collapse. It’s about cultivating calm confidence in the face of uncertainty.
When we prepare with intention, we send a powerful message to ourselves and our children:
We are capable. We are connected. We will adapt—and we’ll do it with care.
✅ Try This
🛠 Start with what you already have—many items are likely in your home already
🌻 Add a small personal or spiritual item to your Be-Okay Bag (like a photo, charm, or note)
👨👩👧👦 Do a 30-minute family drill: Where would you go? What would you grab?